Advice for agents: Great gifts for your clients

Written by Engel & Völkers on 13.4.2016

A thoughtful housewarming present for a client not only shows how much you appreciate their custom – it celebrates a momentous life event. Buying a new home is a serious investment, and giving a gift demonstrates you understand this. Take inspiration from our list of suggestions to ensure you leave a lasting, positive impression on your clients.

Gifts for the garden

Planting a tree in the grounds of a property represents the action of establishing roots in a new home. For smaller gardens, a lavender tree works perfectly as it stays a modest size. On large estates a fruit tree, such as fig or apple, will supply seasonal fresh fruit once the plant has grown. If the clients have invested in a property with no garden – a penthouse, for example – a Japanese bonsai tree is more suitable. The bonsai tree is a traditional symbol of good fortune, as well as peace, balance and harmony.

Gifts for foodies

Kitchen gadgets like juicers and bread makers are perfect for clients who like to cook, and spend lots of time in the kitchen. If there are farmers' markets or craft producers in the new neighbourhood, then a hamper of local produce – artisan breads, organic preserves and speciality cheeses – makes an excellent housewarming gift. A cookery book inscribed with a note from you will add a thoughtful finishing touch.

Gifts for art lovers

Consider commissioning an artist to create an original painting or pen-and-ink drawing of the new property. This present will be truly unique, and provides a lasting memento of the home. Alternatively, try and source a vintage photograph of your client’s new neighbourhood. A large framed print will combine interesting local history with artistic sentiment.

Personalised gifts

Even if you don’t know your clients well, it is possible to commission them a personalised gift. A stationery set embossed with their initials, along with letterhead paper printed with their new address, is an elegant and unique present. You could also have a keyring embossed with the date they moved in. A bespoke bottle of champagne and a pair of glass flutes gives the owners all they need to toast their home in style.

Experience gifts

Moving house can be a stressful experience, so help your clients to unwind with an experience gift. This could be arranging dinner in a recommended local restaurant, setting up a babysitter to take care of the children and hiring a chauffeur for the evening. You could also purchase a treatment day for the new homeowners at a spa. This will allow them some much needed relaxation time in the midst of moving: after all, it is the job of a good estate agent to make the process as easy as possible.